It’s almost like San Diego was built for weddings — perfect year-round weather, perfect golden sunsets and the perfect sites and attractions to occupy guests of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront celebration with stunning ocean views, a garden front union punctuated by lush greenery and bright flowers, or nontraditional nuptials at a one-of-a-kind wedding venue, we guarantee there’s something on this list for you, San Diego native or not.
As experienced San Diego wedding planners, the Always Flawless Productions team has planned and coordinated weddings at dozens of venues in the area. These are our hand-picked favorite San Diego wedding venues of all kinds.
San Diego Wedding Venues Outdoor
Rancho Valencia
The Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa touts itself as southern California’s only Relais and Chateaux property. Nestled amongst 45 acres of lush green gardens and picturesque olive groves, this venue is perfect for those looking to hide away in a space inspired by the colorful and quaint Mediterranean countryside. Invite up to 500 guests to gather on the hibiscus-and-bougainvillea-covered Croquet Lawn, or go a more intimate route with a 30-person ceremony in the palm-tree-flanked Rose Garden. For those interested in an indoor event, the Sunrise Room & Terrace and the Terrace Ballroom & Patio are both perfect for a combination inside-outside celebration.
The Rancho Valencia offers elopement, vow renewal, midweek and winter wedding packages.
Some extra reasons to love it: Even with its own sensibilities, Rancho Valencia is the perfect “blank canvas” for a couple looking to make the space their own. Bring in unique lighting, funky pergolas, or elegant tents to elevate this gorgeous venue to a completely new level of luxury, or opt to pare things down for a more simplistic, traditional feel.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
If you’re looking for a San Diego wedding mainstay, look no further — with over 40 years of experience and five outdoor ceremony venues to choose from, the Rancho Bernardo Inn has everything you need for a perfect southern California celebration. Can’t bring yourself to cut down the guest list? The manicured Aragon Lawn holds up to 600 guests. Looking for a smaller (but just as beautiful) ceremony venue? Try the rustic Valencia Lawn or Spanish-inspired Santiago Courtyard, each holding up to 160 guests. There truly is something for everyone.
See one of Always Flawless Production's past weddings: Esther + Yoon’s Rancho Bernardo Inn Wedding
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is the perfect SoCal country escape — say your ‘I Do’s’ alongside 21 acres of Spanish-California architecture and serene rustic hills. What’s more, The Inn’s professional wedding staff will assist with almost every part of your day, including food and beverage, venue set up, and guest room coordination. Invite up to 180 people to a fairytale ceremony — punctuated by gorgeous mountain vistas — in the Rose Garden, or bring the whole kit and kaboodle (up to 350 guests) for a giant, homegrown celebration on the Croquet Lawn. Greenery, festive string lights and flickering votive candles make for a dreamy set-up on the Azalea Lawn, with the Azaela 1 Ballroom as a separate, warm indoor reception space. Just know — you are required to use a professional wedding planner to get married at this coveted venue.
La Jolla Women's Club
Situated just one block from the bright-blue ocean, La Jolla Woman’s Club is the perfect spot for a luxurious, seaside wedding. Set up shop on the sand for a beachfront ceremony, or choose from one of three garden options. Host a subsequent cocktail hour at the North arbor-covered terrace, and sneak away for oceanside photos as guests have their fill of drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Later, make your way back to the clubhouse’s main ballroom for a fun-filled reception.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
For those who want a bit of everything, try The Lodge at Torrey Pines — its world-renowned golf course combined with panoramic coastline views and historical architecture make this AAA Five Diamond property quite the jack of all trades. Bring anywhere from 10 to 220 guests to one of its seven venues, including the Arroyo Terrace — a magnificent grand lawn with golf course vistas — or the lavish Maurice Braun indoor ballroom.
The Lodge’s three package offerings start at $225 per person.
Park Hyatt Aviara
Quietly nestled amongst 200 lush private acres, the Park Hyatt Aviara is the best wedding venue to get away from it all (and catch a gorgeous sunset, to boot). In-house dining packages cater to all preferences and needs, and the Hyatt’s team of professionals will help arrange dance floors, risers and seating configurations prior to your big day.
Try the Grand Ballroom for an indoor celebration with coastal accents, or one of the Hyatt’s palm tree-lined outdoor spaces for a sun-covered celebration.
Later, when you’re surely exhausted after a long night of dancing, the Hyatt offers all newlyweds a complimentary one-night stay.
Darlington House
There’s a reason everyone loves getting married at the Darlington House — it’s unique, historic feel and timeless mix of architecture styles make it one of La Jolla’s most unforgettable wedding venues. The greenery-covered patios feature colorful tiles, bright blue pools and brick walkways — a Spanish and Egyptian oasis. The open-air rose garden fits 200 guests for both charming ceremonies and fragrant, floral receptions. Bring in your own linens, tables and chairs to personalize the space however you’d like. For a moment of respite, guests can visit one of the indoor sitting rooms.
Some extra reasons to love it: For the customization and flexibility-minded couple, Darlington House is an incredible bang for your buck. The private garden space itself (a rarity for San Diego) is kind to your bottom line, meaning you can shell out on rentals of grandeur, like crystal coupes and clear-top tents without feeling guilty. What’s more — you can bring in your own alcohol.
See one of Always Flawless Production's past weddings: Danielle + Nick’s Darlington House wedding.
Carmel Mountain Ranch Estate
If an oceanfront wedding isn’t for you, how about one in the mountains instead? Book Carmel Mountain Ranch Estate for an open-air celebration punctuated by breathtaking views, mountain terrain and luxurious gardens. Carmel Mountain offers full-service catering, bartending and bar services, multiple photo locations, and changing rooms + suites for both bride and groom — so all you have to do is show up! Hold your ceremony at the Aberdeen Lawn or Garden Gazebo, then move inside to the Mountain View Terrace for a night of dancing with views of some of California’s most gorgeous peaks.
The Grand Del Mar
The Grand Del Mar is grand, indeed — a glamorous oasis tucked away on 400 acres of coastal canyon, this one-of-a-kind venue highlights the very best of California flora and fauna. Perfect for an outdoor-loving bride and groom! Bring your wedding party on a Los Penasquitos Canyon hike, or take a planning breather by a palm-tree lined pool. When your special day finally arrives, celebrate inside or (preferably) outside, festivities complete with fully-integrated A/V and sound and flickering votive candles. When the night finally winds down, head upstairs for your complimentary bride and groom accommodations.
See Always Flawless Production's work here: Fairmont Grand Del Mar wedding inspiration!
Estancia La Jolla
No Estancia La Jolla description would be complete without mention of its nine acres of gardens and hacienda-style architecture. If you’re looking for a venue with gorgeous outdoor venues but enviable indoor ones, or a specialization in micro weddings, elopements or ‘minimonies,’ this is the place for you.
For a real elopement or micro wedding feel, try a ceremony on the Olive Lawn (up to 130 guests) and a dinner in the cozy Hidden Feather (up to 30) or vista-filled Greenfinch (up to 70) reception venues. And that’s not all — Estancia La Jolla’s Intimate Gardens package starts at $185/person with an additional venue fee on top, and includes a three hour bar package, three displayed hors d'oeuvres, and a three course plated dinner.
The showstopping Garden Courtyard (up to 420), complete with Spanish-style architecture and over 100 types of botanicals, is perfect for a larger celebration, and the couple looking to make an entrance. Later, bring guests inside to the luxe La Jolla Ballroom (up to 420), or the slightly-smaller but recently-enhanced Grande Room (130 guests).
If you need any more convincing, check out a real Estancia La Jolla wedding.
Vista Valley Country Club
Welcome to Vista Valley, San Diego’s self-proclaimed golf, fitness and spa haven. Nestled within the tranquil valley of Vista California, this country club is surrounded by breathtaking sunsets, gorgeous SoCal views and luscious rolling hills — complete with an on-property “old-world warmth” akin to the Italian countryside.
The best part of Vista Valley is its history — the club’s ceremony site is decorated with 18th century gates and columns from Provence, France; antique stone windows reclaimed from the 1700s; and 1780s shade timbers with ties to George Washington. It’s not everyday you find a historic wedding oasis! Enter through the tall, fairytale gates for a garden ceremony under a tree-filled canopy. Later, transform an inside ballroom or dining room into a traditional reception space, or stay outside for a quintessential lawn celebration.
Some extra reasons to love it: Vista Valley hosts only one event per day, meaning you’ll be guaranteed privacy and exclusivity while dancing your heart out post champagne toast. Not to mention their bridal suite — a giant, chandelier-accented space full of natural light — is the prettiest in San Diego (in our humble opinion).
See one of Always Flawless Production's past weddings: Romantic Ethereal Wedding at Vista Valley Country Club
San Diego Wedding Venues on the Beach / San Diego Wedding Venues Ocean View
L'Auberge Del Mar
L’Auberge Del Mar is your home by the sea — literally. This award-winning luxury resort, tucked away in a picturesque coastal village, overlooks the sun-kissed Pacific and its sandy beaches.
Interested in a terrace ceremony or reception with an ocean view? Try the Pacific Terrace (up to 200), the Sunset Terrace (120 ceremony/200 reception), or the intimate and private Ocean Terrace (up to 20 guests). If ocean views are on your checklist but you’d still like a garden feel? No problem. Inquire about Seagrove Park (up to 200), a lush lawn peering right out into the ocean.
L’Auberge Del Mar can also host your engagement party, your bridal shower, your rehearsal dinner, and any other pre or post wedding day events. And if you’d like to stick around after all is said and done — have at it. This resort offers a complimentary honeymoon with your wedding package when you choose a Noble House hotel or resort for your wedding reception and ceremony.
Some extra reasons to love it: You can’t beat the ocean views at L’Auberge Del Mar. Plus, if you’re looking for a seafront venue you can customize, the patio reception space is another amazing blank space for the taking. Add extra tables and market lighting for a down-home vibe, or add a tent to up the elegance. And finally, L’Auberge is situated right above an adorable downtown space with shops, restaurants, and amenities for anyone traveling in from afar.
See one of Always Flawless Production's past weddings: Cara + Kenan's L'Auberge Del Mar Wedding
The Catamaran Hotel & Spa
Now this is a venue you don’t want to miss. A departure from traditional San Diego Spanish architecture, the Catamaran Resort and Spa is the Pacific Beach community’s tropical hideaway and Polynesian-themed resort. Just eight miles from the San Diego International Airport, guests traveling to and from can come and go with ease. Cozy up to palm trees, tiki torches, koi ponds and — wait for it — exotic birds.
The Catamaran has two lawn venues, one garden venue and one sand venue (with varying access points) to choose from for your ceremony. For a smaller, more intimate tropical ‘I Do’ try the peaceful Garden Gazebo (up to 70). The Beach North Lawn (up to 350) or the Beach South Lawn (up to 120) offer stunning views of sparking Mission Bay. Pro tip — the South Lawn’s grand staircase is perfect for a bride looking to make an entrance. Or, walk down the aisle on the sandy beach (up to 250). Later, bring guests inside the Polynesian-style Kon Tiki Ballroom (up to 350), the bayfront Aviary Ballroom (up to 250), the intimate Boardroom (up to 100); or keep them outside for an unforgettable reception on the south or north lawns.
See one of Always Flawless Production's past weddings: April + Scotty's Winter Beach Wedding at the Catamaran Resort Hotel
Scripps Seaside Forum
Modern, inviting, and a great bang for your buck, the Scripps Seaside Forum at UC San Diego is a premier Atlantic coast wedding venue for a beach-loving couple. Carefully-curated interior design, cozy seating arrangements, and shoreline views are the name of the game at this La Jolla mainstay. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of taste, style and function Scripps is the spot for you — it could just as easily hold a symposium or corporate event as it could a romantic wedding ceremony and reception for up to 200 guests.
Rental fees cover nine hours of event time — including setup and break down. State-of-the-art A/V equipment is also included, bringing your dance floor or slideshow dreams to life with ease. You must bring your own alcohol, but put the money saved toward your gorgeous beach honeymoon.
Coasterra
For a unique metropolitan celebration, try Coasterra, a bay front destination with a twist. This floating event center also doubles as a modern Mexican restaurant! Unlike almost any other venue on this list so far, Coasterra features gorgeous, unobstructed views of downtown San Diego — perfect if you want a waterfront event, but can’t say no to a striking cityscape!
The one-of-a-kind Harbor Float (up to 200) lets you celebrate quite literally on the water, or you could opt for the Bayview Ballroom (up to 500). Not down for a ballroom feel? Try the Skyline Terrace + Bar (up to 300) to add the essence of nightlife to your special day.
Hotel Del Coronado
One thing’s for sure – you will never find another venue like the Hotel Del Coronado. This storied institution is perfect for the couple in search of an iconic, romantic backdrop every guest will remember. And the 7,590 square-foot Main Beach and 70,000 square-foot North Beach should easily accommodate parties of any size.
This special spot allows for outside caterers, meaning you can enjoy the luxuries of Coronado Beach’s favorite venue while still maintaining your own culinary traditions and preferences. Robust wedding packages — which all include a four-course plated dinner, a champagne toast and four hours worth of beer and wine, among other amenities — alleviate the stress of wining and dining. The Del even includes a list of preferred vendors, from wedding planners to officiants.
Coronado Island Marriott
For a traditional, waterfront feel try the Coronado Island Marriott — a hotel with views of the San Diego skyline and Coronado Bridge, and easy access to some of San Diego’s best attractions. Bring guests together for an intimate affair in the Black Swan Courtyard (up to 50) overlooking a serene lagoon, or get the party started at the romantic Tidelands Ballroom — big enough for up to 800 of your closest friends.
And if the spacious Coronado Ballroom (up to 1,000) doesn’t have quite the garden feel you’re looking for, move the ceremony outside to the Bayside Lawn (up to 400) for I Do’s and a waterfront cocktail hour.
La Valencia
Nicknamed the “Pink Lady” after its signature pink exterior and iconic tower, the La Valencia Hotel has been a La Jolla staple for more than 90 years. Self-characterized by vintage style, coastal charm and award-winning cuisine, the La Valencia is an unforgettable beach destination just above the La Jolla cove cliffs that has, over its tenure, lodged some of Hollywood’s most elite.
For a cozy indoor meal or micro wedding celebration, try the classy Vendimia Salon (up to 30) or the sunset-inspired Galeria (up to 50) dining room. Outdoor ceremonies can be set up in the Garden (up to 150) — with panoramic views, “romantic coastal ambiance,” and manicured hedges — then moved to the Patio Sol at the Med, a lush street-side patio (50-150) for reception. If you’d prefer a little bit of both — inside and outside — the glamorous Veranda Ballroom, Salon and Terreza is the venue or you.
Take a virtual tour of La Valencia’s venues here, and see one of Always Flawless Production's past weddings: Megan + Nick's La Valencia Hotel Wedding
Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Humphreys Half Moon Inn on San Diego’s Shelter Island puts its own spin on the San Diego wedding. Say your vows surrounded by arching palms, tropical flowers and delicate waterfalls, then later celebrate your union as lights from the city twinkle across the bay. Venues are available for 30-450 guests — including waterfront banquet rooms, a ceremony garden, and space for poolside events.
See more from Mary + Nolan's Humphrey's Half Moon Inn Wedding in San Diego, CA.
Unique San Diego Wedding Venues
Building 177
What was once the Naval Library is now a newly-renovated event canvas for any and every gathering. Building 177’s high, vaulted ceilings; exposed beams; and over 7,000 square feet of space make for a trendy indoor feel without sacrificing some of the convenience of a traditional ballroom. White walls, hardwood floors, and tiled interiors exude a classic-California-desert-meets-industrial-loft vibe.
And don’t expect any bottlenecks here — guests flow naturally from the entry foyer, to the main hall, then to the outdoor patio. Bonus: there’s even a specially-curated-and-designed bridal suite!
This one-of-a-kind spot in Liberty Station can host up to 425 for a seated reception and 750 for a cocktail party.
Brick San Diego
Up next on the tour of San Diego’s most unique and ‘upcycled’ venues is BRICK, also known as Building 32, a former machine shop that manufactured and repaired equipment for the Naval Training Center.
This Arts District mainstay offers 24 hour rentals (you have the venue from 10am day-of to 10am the following day — can you say easy clean-up?), seats up to 220 guests (but accommodates more for standing-only events), and places virtually no restrictions on outside vendors (likely outside of the fact that they are licensed and insured). And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the detail BRICK is best known for: it’s — you guessed it — exposed, red brick walls on the inside of the venue.
If you’re short on vendor ideas, take a peek at BRICK’s “epic” list, or add some of their extras (A/V, catering, photo booth, linens, valet, etc.) onto your package. Finally, as if things couldn’t get any easier, this trendy space is close to transportation and accommodation options, with ample and free parking incredibly close by.
If you’re already excited by such a nontraditional locale, check out one of Always Flawless Production's past weddings: Nguong & CJ's Romantic Wedding at BRICK in San Diego, CA
Pannikin Building
Downtown San Diego’s Pannikin Building is the perfect blend of Building 177 and BRICK — vaulted ceilings, wood floors, exposed brick, and a little bit of history to top it all off. The 5,700 square foot space in San Diego’s crowd-favorite Gaslamp District holds 200 guests seated and 250 standing, virtually eliminating the need for any guest list exclusions (yay!).
Bring guests into the 4,200 square foot Main Room (which includes the dance floor!) for your ceremony and reception. Every Pannikin rental also includes the use of four signature 8-foot custom bars with galvanized metal tops — trendy, unique and oh-so-fun to look at. And if you need a spot to divide up the space, move guests to The Cellar, Pannikin’s downstairs bar area that’s perfect for cocktail hour (and also houses the furnished groom’s lounge; The bridal suite is in the Main Room).
The Lane
From the same company that brings you Building 177 comes The Lane, a brand new, versatile indoor/outdoor event space situated on the historic land that once housed the original Padres stadium! The perfect place for any and every baseball lover and history buff. The industrial, modern space complete with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and an elevated terrace overlooks the bay and Lane Field park, all with a layout intentionally designed to optimize guest flow between the two gathering areas and the terrace itself.
Two 10’ double doors welcome guests into the large, sleek interior space with a max reception capacity of 280, and then back out into the minimalist, smaller interior space (up to 120). Once they’re done mingling inside, friends and family can grab a breath of fresh air on the partially-covered outdoor terrace (up to 350), perfect for both a spot of sun and a shady, tableside respite with a bay view.
Flora the Venue
This versatile venue will have you wondering why you didn’t get married sooner. Its high-end furnishings, thoughtful design, and showstopping vibe are sure to be unlike anything you’ve seen before. Just around the corner from San Diego’s iconic Gaslamp Quarters, Flora’s trendy and modern interior are the perfect backdrop for your special day!
The best part — this space offers all-inclusive features and amenities like chairs, lounge decor and in-house tables, making it even easier than anticipated to host the stylish wedding of your dreams!
See more of Always Flawless Production's work: Moody Wedding At Floral The Venue
The New Children's Museum
Stay playful on your wedding day with a ceremony + reception at the New Children’s Museum, a 50,000 square-foot playground to host a wedding unlike any other. Say your vows surrounded by art installations and a creative energy that’s sure to stun any and every guest. An in-house event services team will work with you to create a special package around your budget and guest count. The entire museum — with three floors of interactive event space — holds 500 seated and 1,000 standing.
If you think you’ll just need one floor, try the large main level (up to 300 seated) for a sit-down ceremony or Cha Cha Slide-filled reception. For a more intimate gathering on a smaller budget, try the vibrant upper level or picture-perfect lower level (both up to 100 seated) instead. And lastly, don’t forget about the admin patio — an elegant, open-air option for small daytime events or tight-knit evening receptions.
Luce Loft
The Luce Loft is a historic warehouse event venue in downtown San Diego, offering full day venue rentals, zero vendor restrictions and outside alcohol, not to mention high barrel ceilings, poured concrete walls and unique sliding doors! It is the perfect canvas for a maximum of 150 guests.
See one of Always Flawless Production's past weddings: Luce Loft Wedding
San Diego Safari Park
If the traditional wedding route just isn’t for you, the San Diego Safari Park is the unorthodox solution of your wildest dreams. Exchange vows and then party all night just steps away from tigers, rhinos and giraffes — oh my! With plenty of jungle-themed ceremony and reception sites to choose from, your special day underneath the lush green treetops of San Diego’s own slice of African adventure is sure to impress.
Just note — the park’s layout is a bit of a logistical challenge. You’ll definitely want to work alongside your planner to ensure vendors can get everything they need from one side of the sprawling park to the other. Despite the extra prep, the payoff is very worth it!
Extra reasons to love it: To put a truly wild touch on your special day, the safari park will even bring out animals during cocktail hour, meaning your guests can sip champagne next to birds, snakes and even cheetahs. An evening your guests are guaranteed to remember!
Need help choosing a venue or in your wedding planning process?
We know how overwhelming it can be sorting through your San Diego wedding venue options. There are so many beautiful locations!
To make sure you choose the right location for your wedding and budget, hire the experienced San Diego wedding planners at Always Flawless Productions! We know these venues inside and out and can help you plan the perfect wedding day.
